Modular Metal House Frame for Ground-Level Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal building frames for residential structures, such as houses and sheds, do not easily allow for the creation of habitable spaces without lifting equipment and lack the ability to define a complete framework, including the roof part.
Innovation Solution
A modular metal frame system comprising basic and secondary modules, including vertical and horizontal elements with complementary fixing means, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and capable of forming habitable spaces with enhanced stability and cyclone and earthquake resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional metal building frames are used, then the structure can support roofs and walls, but the framework cannot be easily assembled without lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The metal frame is divided into modular components (vertical uprights, horizontal beams, diagonal bracing elements) that can be assembled in a standardized sequence without requiring lifting equipment. Each module is designed to be connected to others through complementary fixing means, enabling step-by-step construction from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a specific spatial arrangement where vertical uprights are positioned at corners and intermediate points, connected by horizontal beams at multiple levels, with diagonal bracing providing third-dimensional stability. This multi-level horizontal connection system allows workers to build upward without lifting heavy components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the metal frame defines only walls but not the roof part, then assembly is simplified, but the complete habitable space cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The same modular metal elements (uprights, beams, bracing) used for wall construction are also used to create the roof framework. The horizontal beams extend continuously from wall level to support roof structures, and the diagonal bracing provides both wall stability and roof triangulation, allowing one system to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall framework and roof framework are merged into a single integrated metal structure. The vertical uprights serve both as wall supports and as anchors for the roof structure, while horizontal beams at upper levels simultaneously form the top of walls and the base for roof framing, eliminating the need for separate wall and roof systems.
3Productivity
If the metal frame is designed for easy assembly, then construction time is reduced, but resistance to cyclones and earthquakes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates pre-configured diagonal bracing elements and multi-level horizontal beam connections that are designed in advance to provide structural rigidity. These features are built into the modular system from the start, so that easy assembly does not compromise the pre-planned structural reinforcement needed for cyclone and earthquake resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal frame combines different structural elements (vertical uprights, horizontal beams, diagonal bracing) into a composite system where each component contributes specific properties. The diagonal bracing provides tensile and compressive strength for seismic and wind resistance, while the modular connection system enables rapid assembly, achieving both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a metal frame for a building, in particular a residential building such as a house, comprising at least one basic module (1) comprising several metal elements which can be assembled together.The invention consists in that the base module (1) comprises at least: four uprights configured to form vertical corner uprights (11) of the metal frame, and to be fixed to a ground surface such as a foundation slab, four elongated elements configured to extend horizontally between the upper ends of the vertical corner uprights, to form perimeter elements (12) defining the upper perimeter of the metal frame, four elongated elements configured to be fixed respectively at one of their ends to the upper part of a vertical corner upright (11) and at their other end to the ends of the other elongated elements, to form main structural beams (13) of the metal frame, said metal elements being provided with fixing means complementary to each other.